Experience & Awards

I have been wagering professionally on sports and horse racing for 30 years.

My picks have been documented for 22 years.

I was the 2009 NFL Handicapper of the Year in 2009 in a prestigious event. I won the Ultimate Football NFL Championship in 2006.

I have been an NBA World Champion with 9 winning seasons the last 11 years.

I also continue to beat the College Hoops book makers with a high volume attack on a yearly basis.

Handicapping Approach

I have a firm belief in my systems. There is not a sport I feel I can not beat.

My handicapping can be best referred to as the 'The Smart Money Approach". I leave no stone unturned. I have a large database of information and statistics. I also take into consideration injuries, current and historical trends, and form. I also factor in the weather, surface conditions, and line movement.

Sports Betting Is An Investment

Many gamblers offer causal explanations for long runs of good and bad performance. The same is true of financial analysts. The records of bettors and investors show the same variable successes and failures.

Both investment opportunities show significant variables and both can give the investor an advantage. You need to do the proper research to consider all the facts. If you do so a long term profit is more than attainable.

I think sports betting is even better than the stock market. The investor/bettor has much more control over his funds. You can take a short break, and almost always know your bankroll has not been untouched.

In the markets you are leaving your 401K and other mutual investments in the hands of a volatile marketplace. Plus, you are being torched for huge handling fees by brokers on individual investments. These fees would make sports book managers drool.

I am not saying it is easy making a living from sports betting. But, the small percent who do consistently beat the books have a much better rate of return than that of any market investor!

This is the outlook I have on every wager I place in the sports wagering markets. I take my portfolio very seriously!

Money Management

To be a successful and profitable sports bettor you must always have a long term goal. Set that standard before you begin. You need to set aside a fairly substantial bankroll.

If you want to be conservative you would wager no more than 1-2% of your bankroll per game. No more than 3% on the best bets.

This might seem a little on the low side. But, this is a long and turbulent battle with the books. You will be happy that you practiced good money management and frugality.

Here are some additional guidelines I recommend.

1. Shop for your best possible lines (rogue lines) from the most reputable sources.

2. Stay disciplined and do not stray from recommended bankroll allocation on individual wagers. Chasing your wagers never a good idea.

3. Always keep in mind that your bankroll is your life line. It must be treated the same way you would treat finances allocated for any business venture.

4. Buy off the hook on key numbers. ( Basketball only)

5. Understanding the importance and the art of middling.

6. Keep a record of all your wagers and results and use them as part of over all statistical data base.

These are some important factors that will help you in your quest for long term profits.

I leave you with a thought from the late great Jimmy the Greek. The house does not beat the player, it just gives him the opportunity to beat himself.

*All selections have the same allocated bankroll %(which equals 1 betting unit).

# Mastering Money Management in Sports Betting: A Guide to Sustainable Wagering

Sports betting has surged in popularity, transforming from a niche hobby into a mainstream entertainment option accessible via apps and online platforms. However, amid the thrill of predicting game outcomes and cheering for your picks, one critical aspect often gets overlooked: proper money management. Without it, even the sharpest bettors can find themselves in financial trouble. This article explores the fundamentals of money management in sports betting, offering practical strategies to help you bet responsibly and sustainably. Remember, the goal isn't just to win big—it's to protect your funds and enjoy the process over the long haul.

## Understanding Bankroll Management: Your Foundation for Success

At the core of effective money management is the concept of a "bankroll"—the total amount of money you've set aside exclusively for betting. This isn't your rent money, grocery budget, or emergency fund; it's disposable income you can afford to lose without impacting your daily life.

Start by determining your bankroll size based on your financial situation. A common rule of thumb is to allocate no more than 1-5% of your monthly disposable income to betting. For example, if you have $1,000 as your initial bankroll, treat it as a finite resource that needs careful stewardship.

Why is this important? Sports betting is inherently unpredictable. Streaks of wins and losses are normal, and poor bankroll management can lead to quick depletion during downswings. By viewing your bankroll as a business investment rather than play money, you shift your mindset from impulsive gambling to strategic wagering.

## Unit Sizing: Betting Smarter, Not Harder

Once your bankroll is established, implement unit sizing—a system where you bet a consistent percentage of your bankroll on each wager, rather than flat amounts. This approach minimizes risk and allows your bets to scale with your funds.

- Define Your Unit: A standard unit is 1-2% of your bankroll. For a $1,000 bankroll, a 1% unit would be $10 per bet. This keeps losses manageable; even a string of 10 losses would only cost you $100, leaving plenty of room to recover.

- Adjust for Confidence: While sticking to your unit size is key, you might occasionally vary it slightly based on perceived value. For instance, on high-confidence bets (backed by thorough research), go up to 2-3 units. But never exceed 5% on any single wager to avoid catastrophic losses.

- Reevaluate Periodically: As your bankroll grows or shrinks, recalculate your unit size. If your $1,000 bankroll swells to $1,500 after a winning streak, your 1% unit becomes $15. Conversely, if it drops to $800, scale back to $8 per unit.

This method promotes discipline and prevents emotional decisions, like doubling down after a loss to "get even."

## Avoiding Common Pitfalls: The Enemies of Sound Money Management

Even seasoned bettors fall into traps that undermine their financial strategy. Recognizing and sidestepping these can make all the difference.

- Chasing Losses: After a bad beat, the temptation to bet more aggressively to recoup losses is strong. This "tilt" mentality often leads to bigger deficits. Instead, stick to your unit size and take breaks if emotions run high.

- Overbetting on Parlays and Props: High-payout bets like parlays (combining multiple outcomes) can be alluring, but they carry higher house edges. Limit them to a small portion of your action—say, no more than 10-20% of your weekly bets—and treat them as fun side wagers, not core strategies.

- Ignoring the Vig: The "vig" or juice is the bookmaker's cut, typically 10% on standard bets (e.g., -110 odds mean you risk $110 to win $100). Factor this into your calculations; aim for bets where you believe the true probability exceeds the implied odds after vig.

- Mixing Betting with Alcohol or Distractions: Decisions made under the influence or during heated game moments are rarely rational. Set your bets in advance and review them soberly.

## Advanced Strategies: Building Long-Term Profitability

For those looking to elevate their game, incorporate these techniques into your routine:

- Kelly Criterion: This mathematical formula helps determine optimal bet sizes based on your edge. The basic version is: Bet Size = (Bankroll * (Probability of Winning - (1 - Probability of Winning) / Odds)) / Odds. Use it conservatively—many pros apply half-Kelly to reduce volatility.

- Diversification: Spread your bets across different sports, leagues, and bet types (e.g., moneylines, spreads, totals) to mitigate risk. Avoid putting all your units on one game or event.

- Tracking and Analysis: Maintain a detailed log of every bet, including stake, odds, outcome, and rationale. Tools like spreadsheets or betting apps can help identify patterns, such as which sports you excel in or common mistakes. Review monthly to refine your approach.

- Setting Limits and Goals: Establish win/loss stops—e.g., quit for the day after winning 20% of your session bankroll or losing 10%. Also, set realistic profit goals; aiming for 5-10% monthly returns is more sustainable than chasing 100% gains.

## The Role of Responsible Gambling: Beyond the Numbers

Money management isn't just about math—it's about mindset. Always bet within your means and recognize when it's time to step back.

In conclusion, proper money management turns sports betting from a risky gamble into a calculated pursuit. By prioritizing your bankroll, using unit sizing, avoiding pitfalls, and employing advanced strategies, you'll not only protect your finances but also enhance your enjoyment of the games. Bet smart, stay disciplined, and remember: the house always has an edge, but with sound management, you can tilt the odds in your favor over time